SUNY Oneonta Geology Students Put Skills to Use During California Field Course

Seven SUNY Oneonta students made the most of winter break during an adventurous field trip out west for their upper-level course Field Geology of Plate Boundaries (GEOL 343).

The 13-day trip, led by professors Keith Brunstad and Les Hasbargen, let students map rocks and geologic structures associated with the plate boundary between the North American and Pacific plates in Southern California, near Anza Borrego. This is the location of the San Andreas Fault.

Amid the eroding mountains and expansive desert views, students practiced recording geologic observations, taking field notes and sketches, creating maps and geologic cross-sections, and presenting summaries of their findings.

During their downtime, students hiked, took in colorful sunsets, cooked their meals on an open fire under the stars, and camped in tents. Students said the trip provided invaluable experience, allowing them to use what they've learned about geologic mapping in prior coursework in a real-world context, as well as a chance to see a whole new part of the world.